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Boris Johnson has waded into the debate about cycling deaths - calling for headphones to be banned. Boris Johnson said those who ride while listening to music were an 'absolute scourge'. But it's not yet clear whether the Mayor actually has the power to enforce a ban, as Luke Farrington reports.

The House of Commons Transport Committee will hear evidence on cycle safety on December 2. The committee's chairman Louise Ellman said:

"Many of these casualties involve large vehicles, especially HGVs, and there is now debate about whether they should be banned from city centres at peak times. This will have consequences for businesses which need to be assessed.

"There is also debate about the behaviour of drivers and cyclists and whether more can be done to promote compliance with the law."

The committee will also examine the safety of London's Cycle Superhighways Credit: Press Association

You've been telling us if you agree with Boris Johnson after he described cyclists who wear headphones an 'absolute scourge'. Should cyclists stop wearing headphones? Tweet us @itvlondon or go to our Facebook page.

Karen Stambrovskis: How would that be policed, then? Best just to build proper, separated, cycle lanes for everyone's safety and stop playing the blame-game.

Claire Edwards: Yes I nearly run one over yesterday because he didn't hear my car and just went in the road without looking. Then us car drivers get the blame.

Emma Hall: Ban them from wearing head phones make them wear high viz tops and tax them for using the roads.

One of London's most senior police officers says cyclists should take more responsibility for their own safety. Chief Superintendent Glyn Jones said while he didn't want to single anyone out for blame, cyclists were at an obvious disadvantage on the roads.

Bow roundabout in east London which has seen a number of accidents involving cyclists Credit: Press Association

Chief Superintendent Glyn Jones said: "I think the more vulnerable you are, the more careful you need to be - even if the law is on your side. It is no comfort to a grieving family, but yes, the more vulnerable you are, the more care you need to take.

"I'm not saying they're doing anything wrong. What I am saying is if you approach a junction and there's an HGV, it might be more prudent to hang back than try to overtake the HGV on the inside."

The Metropolitan Police say over 70 lorries were stopped and checked by Traffic Command officers on Vauxhall Bridge Road, Whitechapel Road and Albert Embankment in a road safety operation today.

In addition around 100 cyclists were stopped and given safety advice by officers from the MPS Safer Transport Command, where there were concerns about their behaviour - for instance cutting corners and wearing headphones while riding.

The operation saw fixed penalty notices issued to lorry drivers for offences including driving too many hours without a break and having vehicles that are not fit for the roads. Cars were also pulled over for offences such as crossing advanced stop lines illegally.